6 Tips for Working While on Vacation (Without Going Crazy)https://www.mountainjobs.com/blog/vacation/6-tips-for-working-while-on-vacation-without-going-crazy/
2018-03-18T02:04:17ZDisconnecting from work while on vacation is easier said than done. You might have a crucial role in your organization or …

]]>Disconnecting from work while on vacation is easier said than done. You might have a crucial role in your organization or there might be something important happening when you need to take your vacation. You may be a freelancer who work from home and needs to stay connected or a manager, a consultant or an entrepreneur who has no one else to delegate tasks to. But working on vacation doesn’t have to ruin your fun, if you manage it carefully. Here are some tips that can help you to get the most out of your vacation even when you have to stay connected.

Set Expectations and Backup Plans

Let you colleagues or superior know months in advance that you will be going on vacation. Propose ideas on who can do what responsibilities when you are away.

Ask those persons if they will be able to handle those responsibilities while you are away. Let them know how to get in touch with you, like your whatsapp phone number, in case there is something that is urgent.

Also let them know the time periods in which you will be available and that they should only reach out to you in the case of real urgency that can’t wait.

Before you leave the office, select one or two blocks of time each day that you choose to catch up for work. I would suggest either the early mornings before your family is ready for breakfast or the evenings, after you have done enjoying your day.

Let your colleagues know the blocks of time when you will be available for answering emails, taking calls and other work tasks.

Prepare Your Clients

Let your clients know in advance that you will be away and introduce them to the person who will be taking over while you are away. Make special arrangements with your clients if necessary.

Make sure you have internet connection

Where ever you are going for your vacation, ensure that there is unlimited internet access. Whether you are going to a hotel, lake cottage, or another destination it is important to find out, before you go on vacation, if the place you’ll be staying at and it’s environs have internet access.

You don’t want to reach there and then find out that there are internet issues. That’s a total nightmare that will stress you out and start your vacation on the wrong foot.

Nevertheless, you need to be prepared for slow internet and have a backup plan to combat this.

Here are some tips:

Carry with you a small wifi router like Airport Express and a power strip. This is a backup plan in case there is no wifi (only ethernet access) or not enough outlets.

Save your important documents offline, so you can continue working on them in case of temporary internet loss.

Get a wireless hotspot or a tethering plan for your mobile phone. You can use pay as you go options, if you don’t want to do the monthly plan. You might not need a plan for tethering, there are free android tethering apps that you can add on your phone and laptop that will let you tether through USB cable. One thing to note is that this can eat up your data plan if you do more than shooting a few emails.

If the internet is slow at the hotel, make sure that you only do bandwidth-light tasks at that time and when you have better connection, for example at a coffee shop, do bandwidth-heavy tasks there.

If possible, do the most important tasks at the office before you leave, while you have good internet connection.

Add a secondary browser on your computer that might work a bit better with slower internet, with the right tweak or add-ons you might get your work done quicker.

Set up Email and Voicemail Alerts

Set up an automated email notification to let your contacts know that you are on vacation. Let them know the date period of your vacation and how to contact you if it’s urgent. But please let them know to ONLY contact you IF it’s important and can’t wait until you return. You can leave a voicemail on your office line and cell phone letting them know that you are on vacation. You should check your voicemail and text messages periodically but do not answer your phone.

Set Your Work Schedule

The most important rule here is to only work during “work time”. Do not do any work during “Vacation time”. Set your work schedule either in the morning or evening.

For example you can check your email around 5pm each day, during that time everyone is getting ready for dinner, showering, etc. That way you don’t get to lose any quality time with your family.

Resist the temptation to elongate your work schedule. The most important thing is that you relax during your vacation and enjoy your vacation time.

Manage Your Vacation Schedule

Lastly, you need to manage your vacation schedule and let your family aware of your work schedule. It is possible that there are some days that you wont get to work because of the excursions or other scheduling issues, but it is important that you and your family keep your work plan or schedule in mind.

]]>A Quick Look at Verispellis Skishttps://www.mountainjobs.com/blog/mountain-living/quick-look-verispellis-skis/
2018-03-13T01:25:25ZVerispellis Skis is a Project of KICKSTARTERS and they have a great reputation worldwide for their unique products. Verispellis offers …

]]>Verispellis Skis is a Project of KICKSTARTERS and they have a great reputation worldwide for their unique products. Verispellis offers a revolutionary technology that changes your skis’ stiffness from a smartphone to meet varying skiing conditions.

Why you should take a serious look at Verispellis Skis:

Verispellis skis have variety of products with great deals and packages
High rating in the customer reviews

Verispellis have designed a revolutionary pair of skis that will allow you to change the stiffness of your skis from your smartphone. This innovative technology will allow you to reduce your quiver into a versatile pair of skis.

Design features a very unique metal, called Nitinol, which belongs to the family of shape memory alloys. Nitinol changes its material properties with changes in temperature. We built the first prototype with a single layer of nitinol sandwiched between the usual wood and fiberglass layers of a traditional ski.

Adjacent to the nitinol, we placed small heating elements connected to a lithium ion battery pack. You can turn on the electronics that activate the heating elements with a switch on the battery or remotely (via Bluetooth) using a smartphone app.

Verispellis products designed for different types of snow and conditions.

Verispellis conducted many iterations of finite element analysis and have designed the skis and the electronics and built first and second generation prototypes.

iOS and Android App with bluetooth module (Ability to change stiffness from the app and the skis directly
changing the performance of ski in a few seconds.

Verispellis Skis Innovative Technology

Verspellis take care for the BASICS when designing the Skis;

Height:In general, with ski tails on the ground, tips should touch you somewhere between your nose and eyebrows. This may vary based on your ability level and terrain preference.

Weight: Skiers with larger frames often are good candidates for either longer skis or wider skis. Extra mass provides leverage for turning longer skis; extra surface area can also help distribute weight.

Camber: Many skis offer a continuous, downturned arc (or bow) that runs for much of the length of the ski. When a skier stands on a ski, it flattens due to the skier’s weight. At that point the entire length of the base can provide stability and the ski’s metal edge can initiate turns. As a skier moves from turn to turn, camber provides the energy for a ski to snap back from turns, creating a sensation of “liveliness.” In short, camber is the built-in spring that makes a ski lively.

Rocker: Rocker is essentially the opposite of camber, and is sometimes known as reverse camber or negative camber. The side profile of a rockered ski resembles the upturned rails of an old-school rocking chair. On a flat surface, the midsection of a rockered ski will rest on the ground while its tips and tails rise off the ground much earlier than they do for a cambered ski. Rocker offers improved flotation in powder and offers greater maneuverability.

]]>Expert Tips about Safe Skiinghttps://www.mountainjobs.com/blog/mountain-living/expert-tips-safe-skiing/
2018-03-01T21:36:59ZIt can not be stated too often: Safety is of the highest priority when enjoying snowy slopes on the mountains. …

]]>It can not be stated too often: Safety is of the highest priority when enjoying snowy slopes on the mountains. In order to help you prepare for your next ski holiday, the specialist tour operator SnowTrex has created an interactive website called ‘Safe Skiing’, which provides lots of useful information.

Here are just a few of the many good tips that SnowTrex provides on its Safe Skiing website. Head over to their interactive page and have a good read before you go on your next ski holiday. Happy skiing!

Being fit to ride
It is not only the equipment that needs to be in good shape. If you are a beginner, you should familiarize yourself with the basics of skiing and snowboarding such as how to navigate, using correct techniques, knowing how to do an emergency stop and understanding how to read a piste map, to mention a few important things.

Using the right equipment
Let your local sports shop check your gear before you head for the mountains. On the SnowTrex page, you can learn everything about ski gear, such as the helmet, how to choose the perfect googles, how to pack a backpack safely before the day on the piste and much more.

Helmet required
Everyone should wear a helmet, not only beginners – but also experienced skiers and boarders. It is advisable replacing the helmet after eight years, as it does get worn out, even if there are no visible traces on it. Be sure to inform yourself about the different helmet regulations in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and France.

The FIS rules
The 10 FIS rules are the same for skiers and boarders all over the world. The rules help making a safe environment on the pistes and to prohibit accidents. Therefore it is recommended to be aware of them before you go down the slopes.

Do’s and Dont’s:
Do’s: Make yourself a steady breakfast and do some warm up exercises before you head onto the piste. Check out the ski area map and plan some breaks during the day. Always be aware of who is around you on the pistes, so that no sudden turns will come as a surprise to the others.
Dont’s: Ride as much as you can but do not overestimate your abilities. It may be better to take that easy slope at the end of the day, instead of the steepest black piste, as the body gets tired after all the hours on the mountain. Never drink alcohol before you go skiing or snowboarding. Après-ski does have its name for a reason: Enjoy your drinks after the skiing day.

]]>8 Tips For a Comfortable Outdoor Living Experiencehttps://www.mountainjobs.com/blog/mountain-living/8-tips-comfortable-outdoor-living-experience/
2018-02-10T00:10:46ZAn outdoor living area can be relaxing, entertaining and fun! You and your family/friends can enjoy the fresh air and …

]]>An outdoor living area can be relaxing, entertaining and fun! You and your family/friends can enjoy the fresh air and sunshine with entertainment and relaxation. Outdoor living areas are a very popular addition to the home and can add value! Below you will find some ideas to jumpstart your outdoor design area.

1. Comfortable Seating
With the warmer weather upon us, being outside can be relaxing. Comfortable seating makes all the difference in the world. Shop around for plush, full cushioned seating. There are many different styles to choose from. Consider trying out a chair or cushioning at a local store before making a final decision. You can then shop online for similar type cushions with a larger color and size selection. And of course what’s an outdoor space without a hammock? There are lots of different styles to choose from. Find a hammock and straps for hammock that you like and enjoy!

2. Accent Colors
Choosing an accent color to draw from pulls your outdoor living space together. Some of the most popular furniture colors are earthy tones of beige, tan and browns. Add a pop of color with orange, yellow or turquoise when picking accent pillows, candles, windchimes, planters etc. A very eye catching, pleasing blend of colors will result.

3.Drought-Resistant Hardscape
Hardscape refers to paths, pebble and other flooring and walls. Get creative under and around your furniture. With these pebble, rock, stone bases, the problem of drying grass can be eliminated. Incorporate your usual landscaping of potted plants, flowers or bushes. Remember these drought-free bases can save you money on watering!

4. Outdoor Rugs
Rugs create a homier look. Choose a large rug, using your accent color for underneath or alongside your furniture. Be sure the rug your choose states it is for outdoor use.

5. Distinctive Spaces
This refers to breaking up different areas into seating, poolside, fire pit, or grilling. Think of it as you would your home inside. Also consider a seperate gardening area to grow your own fruit, vegetables and spices.

6. Fire Pits
Fire pits have become extremely popular with outdoor living. There are different styles to choose from. Fire pit tables serve as a fire source for warmth, ambiance or making smores as well as a “coffee table” function. There are also globe fire pits that are very artsy, bowl fire pits and even portable fire pits in case one wants to take it camping. For those that are located in a burn ban area, you can also use gas instead of wood by using a propane or natural gas fire pit.

7. Ceiling Fans
If your outdoor area has a roof or cover,consider a ceiling fan. Not only are these part of the decor but also brings the relief of a cool breeze on the warmer days. A very cost efficient way to cool down!

8. Outdoor Entertainment
Now that you have created the base area of your outdoor living space, it is time to add some entertainment to the package! Using wireless speakers are a great way to bring music to the outside. A ping pong table can add hours of fun to your outdoor living. A small putting area for golf lovers. Swimming pools are another fun activity. Look online for many other ideas for outdoor games.

]]>Easy Step by Side Guide to Setting Up a Camping Cothttps://www.mountainjobs.com/blog/mountain-living/easy-step-side-guide-setting-camping-cot/
2018-01-30T19:54:17ZCamping is synonymous with adventure. There are a lot of things that people plan while setting up for a camping …

]]>Camping is synonymous with adventure. There are a lot of things that people plan while setting up for a camping trip. Food, shelter, activities, and camping essentials are a few of things you’ll need to plan a camping trip. Once you have the best camping cots packed with some essentials, you are good to go. But with the notion of camping comes some consequences as well, the primary one is the set up of the camping cots in a sturdy manner. If your cot is not set up properly, there are chances that it might collapse due to your body weight. This is why it is necessary to know the step by step process of how to build a firm and sturdy camping cot while you are out exploring the wilderness.

Start with the frame

Setting up a camping cot is not that hard as it seems, quite the contrary. It can be easily done without any set professional guidance, but there are a set of steps that need to be followed.

Let’s start with the basics. Start off by collecting all the necessary items that you would need to set up the cot. These mainly include a metal frame with the attached canvas. Make sure to test out the durability of the cot before purchasing based on your body weight. Even the cloth should be of good quality.

Next, start with unfolding the side rails along with the legs of the camping cot. Make sure that the legs of the cot are perpendicular to the side rails of the cot and the side rails should be parallel to each other.

Once you have got that covered, start separating the side rails. Once you have got that done, the rest gradually falls into place. The canvas flattens out and the legs of the cot open as well. The legs of the cot need to form an “X” shape so that it stands firm and sturdy.

Focus on the fabric

After the base work and the frame of the camping cot are done with, focus on the fabric. Many people often tend to start putting up the fabric without even prepping it; this is where they go wrong. Make sure to stretch the fabric first and then work on it. You can even sit on it to make it more pliable to work with and cover the entire frame of the cot with.

Be gentle with the stretching because overdoing it might end up in collapsing the entire frame of the cot. People often time even punch the canvas to make it easier to work with.

Work with the rails

The last step is the attachment of the rails. After the canvas is stretched out, insert the end rails on either gap of the canvas and secure the same. Attach the supporting end rails to it as well to ensure a firm attachment and a sturdy framework of the entire thing. The last screw that needs to be tightened is the end rail. Once the supporting and the side rail are aligned, fix the entire thing with the tightening of the end rail.

With knowing how to set up the camping cot, that’s one other headache out of the way. Enjoy the wild environment and create cherishingly good memories.

]]>Recovering And Returning To Work After A Workplace Injuryhttps://www.mountainjobs.com/blog/mountain-jobs-blog/recovering-returning-work-workplace-injury/
2018-01-25T17:01:27ZReturning to work after a workplace injury can feel like a scary task. Lots of people worry that they won’t …

]]>Returning to work after a workplace injury can feel like a scary task. Lots of people worry that they won’t be as good at their job as they were before, or are concerned that they will be more nervous in the workplace. If you can relate to this, don’t worry – it is very normal for your confidence to take a knock after an injury, and it is entirely possible for you to bounce back to working.

In 2016, nearly 3 million people were injured at work (although thankfully this number seems to be decreasing), and many of these people received compensation for their injuries, so the first thing that you should do is speak to a lawyer about claiming compensation. Tait and Hall state that it is possible to receive compensation for a wide range of injuries, including construction injuries or office injuries.

Returning To Work

Returning to work may take a while, especially if you have an injury that will take months or even years to heal. During your time off it can be useful to contact your boss from time to time so that you can find out what it is going on at work. This means that you will feel less out of the loop when you return.

Once you return to work you may have to attend a meeting to help welcome you back. This meeting is mainly so that your employer can make your return to work easy and safe; they may need to provide you with a specially made chair, or they may suggest that your workload will be lighter for the first few weeks. For instance the most common workplace accident in the US is hearing loss, and if you need to communicate as part of your job your employer may alter your role so that you don’t need to rely on your hearing while you are working.

Getting Back On The Mountain After An Injury

After an injury it is totally normal to feel nervous about getting back on the mountain, but if you follow the right outdoor safety tips you are less likely to be injured again in the future. For instance if you are a skiier you should make sure that your bindings are set correctly, as this will reduce the chance of a future knee injury, and it can also be useful to take frequent rest days so that you don’t encounter muscle fatigue.

You may also need to undergo some physical therapy before you return to the mountain, especially if you underwent surgery. This will help your body to return to its original strength, as you may find that the injured area of your body is weaker than it was before you were injured. This is especially true if you teach skiing or snowboarding and you injured your leg, as both sports put a lot of pressure on your joints. For this reason it is essential that you are patient about your healing process, as returning to the mountains too soon could result in an even worse injury.

Getting back to your normal life doesn’t need to be a scary or overwhelming task. Just make sure to reach out to your boss so that you can speak to them about your concerns and issues, as this will help you to feel supported and positive about returning to work.

]]>Going Out for a Camp? Here are 5 Factors to Considerhttps://www.mountainjobs.com/blog/mountain-living/going-camp-5-factors-consider/
2018-01-16T21:52:20ZWithout a doubt, camping is one of the best outdoor activities there is. It allows you to experience nature first-hand, …

]]>Without a doubt, camping is one of the best outdoor activities there is. It allows you to experience nature first-hand, from the rustling of the leaves, the gentle blowing of the wind with an earthy, distinct scent of nearby shrubs and trees, to seeing the stars in the sky at night. While you may have to sacrifice some comforts and luxuries when outdoors, this should be kept at a minimum, lest you would not be able to enjoy that much. Apart from packing up basic goods, what are some other factors you ought to consider before you camp?

Availability of Water

Knowing whether or not you are able to refill your potable water would help you to know how much water you would have to bring for the whole camping period. If it’s a protected area, and if it has been developed for camping, then you can expect a store nearby that sells water, or faucets where you could have your water jugs refilled. If there are immediate sources of water, then you need not have to bring that much. If there are none, however, then bring enough to last your entire trip, ideally 10 liters of water per person.

Existence of Wild Animals

If you love to hunt, or if you want to see animals you rarely see, then make sure to choose camping sites with wild animals in them. Be wary of the types of animals that are known to graze near and around the camping area, as they have to be approached with caution. Such is the case for camping sites with bears or wild insects such as bees. If you have children with you, and if you don’t have much experience in dealing with wild animals or camping as a whole, then go camp at a kid-themed park instead, where the place is more restricted and there are people to assist you along the way.

Distance from Amenities

While it would be great to unwind and break free from the hustle and bustle of the city, and while a lot of people may think that you have to go far, the reality is that this shouldn’t always be the case, as there are a lot of parks which are only an hour’s drive away from the city, with some even taking less than that. If you are new to camping, and if you have special needs which have to be attended to, or if you have kids who may be homesick quick, then consider camping somewhere not too far from the city. In case of emergency, you would be given the necessary aid if you were to be camping in an area near the city.

Appliances to Bring

It wouldn’t really be a great idea to bring so many things to camp, but there just are some things that would be difficult to compromise, such is the case for comfort. With that said, apart from bringing the softest, most breathable sleeping bags along with you, you may also want to bring small camping fans for proper ventilation inside the tent, and to keep you cool during the hot summer nights while in camp. Apart from fans, make it a point to bring with you rechargeable lamps and radios as well.

Policies and Restrictions for Handling Fire

In a lot of established camping sites, it doesn’t really come as a surprise that there are some places where cooking in an open fire is a big no-no. You have to be respectful and compliant of the policies here. Moreover, if the rules are rather lax, still make it a point to be mindful as these fires for cooking, if left unattended, could cause large forest fires to emerge. Aside from cutting down the risk of fires, it is also important that you pick the right type of firewood, as they might bring infectious diseases which could make local trees sick.

Conclusion

Camping, as fun as it can be, has to be done with caution and thus has to be prepared of the best way possible. You can also consider to pick up a good camping fan to ensure your comfort if in case it gets too warm. If you want to get the best out of your experience, these are just some of the factors you have to consider in choosing the site for camping.

Author: Melanie Campbell is an outdoor and camping enthusiast behind Ardent Footsteps, enjoying this wonderful world since 2010. She shares expert advice when it comes to camping and outdoor trekking. With the main focus on making the most out of camping and outdoor adventures, Melanie will make you want to go out today!

]]>Starting a Tourism Based Businesshttps://www.mountainjobs.com/blog/mountain-business/starting-tourism-based-business/
2018-01-15T18:38:20ZFor many people, working in the tourism industry is a temporary occupation. They spend a couple of years as ski …

]]>For many people, working in the tourism industry is a temporary occupation. They spend a couple of years as ski instructors or life-guards and then move on. However, there are many other people who enjoy the experience so much they want to make tourism their permanent career. For these folks, a great option is starting your own tourism business. When people think of ‘entrepreneurship’ Silicon Valley comes to mind but actually many tourism-centric states such as Alaska and Florida are in the top ten states to start a business whereas California drags at 27. Here are some thoughts on how to go about starting a tourism business.

Snow?

Tourism is, by nature, seasonal. Many of the considerations of your business will depend on whether your tourist season is summer or winter. Although ski resorts experience a different side of life with hikers and bikers in the summer and brave surfers will still venture to the beach in winter, realistically, the majority of your revenue will come from that season so be prepared. Those with professional ambitions in the snow industry will most likely head to ski centers such as Colorado, Nevada or Oregon. Important considerations for ski based businesses include choosing a location for your business convenient for tourists and visitors near popular resorts. Avoid opening too far from the mountain, as it will be difficult to attract customers. Provide adequate parking space and bear in mind that many of your customers will arrive on skis so provide space for them to securely store their gear too!

Sun?

If sun is more your thing than snow then try heading to states such as Hawaii. South Carolina or Florida. Starting a business in a resort is a popular option, but if you want an even more authentic feel and are happy with your business staying small you could even start a business on the beach itself. These on-the-beach businesses are typically smaller so you might want to consider what is advantageous for small businesses, such as being an Limited Liability Company instead of an S corp. For example, if you’re starting an LLC Florida offers great tax perks and flexibility of operations. Whatever the size of your sunny business, bear in mind that beaches often have restrictions such as zoning requirements so be sure to contact the planning department of the City Hall that regulates the beach you want to start a business on.

Not all entrepreneurs want the big city lifestyle. Starting a tourism based business can be a great way to turn your passion into a long term fulfilling career. If you do your research, choose your location wisely and work hard it’s very possible to turn your dreams into a reality.

]]>ReelTrail: The Marketplace for Buying & Selling Outdoor Gearhttps://www.mountainjobs.com/blog/mountain-business/reeltrail-marketplace-buying-selling-outdoor-gear/
2017-12-23T22:03:34ZOutdoor enthusiasts now have the opportunity to buy and sell new, used, and vintage outdoor gear with the launch of ReelTrail, …

]]>Outdoor enthusiasts now have the opportunity to buy and sell new, used, and vintage outdoor gear with the launch of ReelTrail, a new online marketplace with a niche designed for outdoor enthusiasts. Is your closet or garage filled with gear you don’t use? Does you gear have dust on it? Could you turn this gear into cash or upgraded equipment? If you answered yes to any of these questions, ReelTrail is golden ticket. A vast array of equipment is already up for sale on the website, ranging from fishing lures to skis, hiking backpacks to sailing equipment, hunting clothes, and more.

Why sell your gear with ReelTrail? ReelTrail’s platform makes the process of selling outdoor gear fast and easy. When you look at the numbers, it’s hard not to see why they stand out from the bigger companies. eBay’s charges 10-12% for outdoor gear listings, and Amazon’s charges 15%, while ReelTrail’s maximum fee is 7.5%. Sellers can create a listing for their gear in less than a minute, print shipping labels from the app and website, and unlike the other companies, ReelTrail sellers are only required to pay when their items sell. Users can also advertise their
Adventure Trips and Guides, whether they offer an offshore fishing charter or teach skiing lessons. ReelTrail does not charge insertion fees either.

The company prides itself on being transparent and upfront with regards to payments and fees, and the website clearly indicates how the payment system works. Sellers can choose different subscription levels and can list as many items as they wish without the fear of any hidden fees. ReelTrail also donates to different outdoor-related non-profits around the country. As outdoor enthusiasts themselves, the owners have experience in the outdoors, adventure
traveling, and are excited to offer ReelTrail to the rest of the outdoor world. For more information, download the ReelTrail app in the App Store and Google Play Store, or visit the website at www.reeltrail.com.

]]>Tips For Choosing Referenceshttps://www.mountainjobs.com/blog/mountain-jobs-blog/tips-choosing-references/
2017-12-15T15:09:41ZWhen hiring managers are sifting through candidates and preparing for the interview process, they often seek input from the list …

]]>When hiring managers are sifting through candidates and preparing for the interview process, they often seek input from the list of references provided by the candidate.

During the hiring process, references serve as an incredibly powerful tool. Hiring managers usually contact references to find out whether the candidate is truly capable of accomplishing and what he or she likes to work with. It is the reason why job seekers should choose their references carefully before they apply for jobs.

References can have a significant impact on your career. CareerBuilder conducted a survey that revealed that close to 70 percent of employers have actually changed their mind about a particular candidate due to their references. 47 percent of employers surveyed stated that they had less than favorable opinion of the candidate while about 33 percent states that their opinion of the candidate improved one they spoke with the reference.

When you are choosing references, it is important to pay attention to several key factors. Here are some of the important rules you should follow when choosing a job reference:

Think carefully Before You Select a Reference

When you are choosing a reference, you need to think about the type of reference that you are actually looking for. Do you want a reference that can speak highly of your work ethic? Do you want a person capable of illustrating your personality to potential employers? When you are choosing a reference, it is important to choose a person capable of speaking highly of you as a professional, so ensure that you choose only the best reference depending on the position applied.

Effective references are those that have had the chance to witness your accomplishments and experience your personality first-hand. You shouldn’t feel like you must have a former boss serving as a reference. You can pick a previous co-worker, college professor, mentor, or professional colleague. The important thing to keep in mind is that those you have interacted with closely through professional relationships are more likely to provide a more accurate reference.

Seek the References Permission

You must never use a reference before first asking for their permission. Irrespective of how you perceive your relationship with the reference, not all people are comfortable offering recommendations especially when it comes to employment opportunities. While your colleagues will in most cases be flattered to be your reference, it is always respectful to first seek their permission. Here is a good guide on how to include references in your resume.

Collect Important Details Pertaining to the Reference

Once you secure a reference, ensure that you collect his or her contact details. Record their full name, email, phone number, current title, and work address. Most employers will require such details during the interview process.

Coach the References

It is advisable to ensure that your references have copies of your current resume as well as samples from your portfolio. You also need to explain to them your skills, best accomplishments, and all the major projects that you have worked on. Doing this helps the references give you the most relevant and best recommendation to employers.

Keep Your References Informed During the Job Search

It is important to keep your references informed during the job search. References don’t want to be requested to provide a reference when it is least expected.

If you include a reference on your job application, you need to follow up and let them know to be expecting an email or phone call from an employer. It will help them prepare to offer a better reference for you and stay informed during the process of hiring.

These are just some of the essential rules that you should follow when you are choosing the best references for your job search. If you maintain a positive relationship with the references, they are likely to provide more glowing recommendations in the future too.